Sophie Reads YA: Bella Moxie

2022 New Release challenge

ARC Review: The Marquess's Stolen Bride (Dukes Gone Dirty #3) by Bella Moxie

12:00

The Marquess's Stolen Bride
Series: Dukes Gone Dirty #3
Author: Bella Moxie
Published September 30th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis
This scandalous rake only meant to save a damsel in distress…not claim her as his own.

The Marquess of Hayden might have his flaws, but he's never reneged on a bet. If the rumors are true, and the so-called Mad Earl truly does have a daughter, then Hayden will find her. But nothing can prepare him for the instant attraction he feels when he does. Hidden away from society, the beautiful and mysterious Madeline seems more like a princess from a fairy tale than an illegitimate child of the infamous tyrant. When he learns that she’s a prisoner in her own home, a victim of the earl and his cruel bride, it’s clear what he has to do.

Or rather, it seemed clear when he’d been deep in his cups. Unfortunately, his botched attempt at a rescue leaves them both in more trouble than he’d imagined. But now it’s his duty to keep Madeline safe and the only way to do that is to marry.

There are worse fates than to be shackled with the woman who’d bewitched him. Once the maiden is out of her tower and in his bed, he finds she’s no damsel but an enchantress who knows how to keep him lusting for more. So no…not exactly torture. They might even find happiness together—except that the marquess isn’t known for his ability to commit, and the lady he’s married has secrets that threaten any trust they might have forged.

It was desire at first sight that brought him into her life, and dirty deeds in the bedroom that keeps them together…but will they find a love to make it last?
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

The rumour of a woman in distress is bound to get the Marquess of Hayden's attention, and if the Mad Earl does in fact have a hidden daughter, no one but him will rescue her. But as he climbs into her window, foxed and disoriented, he's more than shocked to discover the beautiful Madeline half dressed. And when her step mother and friends arrive to discover him in Madeline's bedroom, there's nothing to do but proclaim they are engaged, and that Madeline will be coming with him immediately. Soon he realises that Madeline had been a captive, and though he has 'stolen' her, he's her saviour.

I adored the romance in this book. Hayden was a little bit of a lush to start with, but he fell head over heels for Madeline, and would do anything for her. She had been treated awfully by her stepmother, the Countess, who had plotted with the vicious Foley - the one in the previous books - to sell Madeline off to the highest bidder, and allowed the vile men to manhandle her in her presence. Hayden was well and truly Madeline's saviour, and when she was embraced by his friends, it was joyous to see Madeline come out of her shell. Fantastic end to the series, and I'm glad Hayden got his happy ending finally.

Dates Read:
November 19, 2022

Rating
3 Stars

2022 New Release challenge

ARC Review: The Earl's Tempting Ward (Dukes Gone Dirty #2) by Bella Moxie

11:00

The Earl's Tempting Ward
Series: Dukes Gone Dirty #2
Author: Bella Moxie
Published June 10th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis
This surly earl expects obedience from his fiery new ward. What he gets is nothing but trouble.

The fire that claimed the Earl of Foster's father and brother left him scarred in every sense of the word. But despite the guilt and his mother’s hatred, Benedict took on the duties that came with the earldom. Including looking after his new ward—the orphaned daughter of his mother’s closest friend.

He expects a timid child to arrive on his doorstep, not a tantalizingly gorgeous young lady in need of a husband. The irritating beauty manages to rile more than just his temper, and he soon finds himself seeking her out for arguments that inevitably end with his lips on hers. His hands on her body. It isn’t right. It’s not what she deserves. But the temptation is too much. The only honorable solution is to marry the girl himself.

Only, Philippa has secrets of her own, and her past has her living a nightmare. She knows what her guardian has in store for her, but she's not looking for marriage to a good man. And despite his growls and his threats, Benedict is good. Better than he knows.

Better than she deserves.

When it's his honor pitted against her tortured past, a battle breaks out between the guilt-ridden lovers. It seems this ward will be teaching her prickly guardian what it means to fight dirty.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Losing his father and brother, and becoming the new Earl of Foster was a shock to the system for Benedict. He blames himself for the fire which his mistress caused, and though he is scarred both physically and mentally, his mother will not let him forget that he is the one who should've died. His entry into society as the earl was fraught with scandal and suspicion, and he longs to return to the country. But his mother soon announces that her goddaughter will be coming to their home, as his ward, and it's his job to find her a husband and get her settled. Expecting a brat to turn up, Benedict is shocked when the beautiful and tantalising Phillipa, and she gets his heart pounding again.

I think this book was even better than the first. Both the hero and heroine are wracked with guilt, and they don't trust themselves, or each other, to not get hurt. I loved their connection, and the way they grew comfortable with each other. Neither had any intention of marrying, but Benedict knows that after he has her, he can't get enough. He wants more, and though he initially goes about it the wrong way, it was sweet the way he fell first, and hardest. A really enjoyable and quick romantic read!

Dates Read:
November 18, 2022

Rating
3 Stars

2022 New Release challenge

ARC Review: The Duke's Defiant Angel (Dukes Gone Dirty #1) by Bella Moxie

10:00

The Duke's Defiant Angel
Series: Dukes Gone Dirty #1
Author: Bella Moxie
Published March 31st 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
He can force her to marry, but her heart? That will never be his.

The duke is a man obsessed. From the moment Raff sets eyes on the fair-haired debutante with the angelic smile, he knows he must have her. And he has a plan. A way to cure himself of this tempting madness. He is a duke, after all. And she will be his.

Evangeline has plans of her own, however, and they don't call for an overwhelming brute who’s never heard the word no—until now. When she can't evade marriage, she makes a new vow. He may own her body, but he'll never have her love.

But the duke is far more devious than she'd thought. He doesn’t demand she submit. Oh no. It seems he's finally learned that there are some areas where his commands are futile. So he resorts to other methods instead. On their wedding night he vows he'll make her beg for the pleasure only he can bring. And heaven help her if he isn't right. But it's not just desire he stirs within her as they forge a truce of a marriage, it's something far more dangerous. And in this battle of wills, she might just lose her heart.

Raff won't be swayed. If he can't force her to love him, he'll sure as hell seduce her into his bed. It might not be fair, but when it comes to winning his angel, this duke is prepared to play dirty.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Debutante Evangeline Dalton knows that entry into society comes with the goal of marriage, but she is already in love, and cares nothing for the gentlemen of the ton. Unfortunately, she draws the attention of the rakish Duke of Raffian, and from the moment he sees her, he wants her. And Raff is not one to be told no. When it's clear that there's no way out but marriage to the devilishly handsome duke, Evangeline promises that she will never let him into her heart, even if he is in her bed.

I found myself binging the Dukes Gone Dirty series recently, and enjoyed how quick and engaging each book was. The Duke's Defiant Angel was one I wasn't too sure what to expect, considering the heroine was sort of forced into the marriage, but the way the couple came together, first through lust, and then with genuine feelings, was great to read. There's a really good cast of characters too, with a villain becoming obvious which is a plot point across the series, and Raff's friends, Benedict and Hayden, the heroes of the subsequent books. A good start to the series.

Dates Read:
November 13, 2022

Rating
3 Stars